Disciple of War Disciple of War (Art of the Adept #4) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,144

but holding the city, that’s a big question. Assuming little resistance and no significant Darrowan forces attempt to retake it, two or three companies will be sufficient. However, if the Patriarch does send an army here, we’ll need at least two brigades,” answered the sub-marshal.

“A full division just to be safe,” commented Commander Lambel.

Hargast shook his head. “I could understand that number for Klendon—it was crucial for our continuing campaign—but Maldon isn’t necessary. We’re going to need everything we can muster to conclude this war when we get to Myrsta—if that’s even possible now.”

Will felt his eye twitch at that remark, but he kept himself under control. “You’re making a key mistake in your thinking. Maldon isn’t a diversion, nor is this an invasion of enemy territory. Maldon is part of Terabinia, just as Klendon is, and as the rest of Darrow. If you’re going to understand my thinking, and more importantly, if we’re going to win this war, you have to think about this as a continuation of the Terabinian War for Independence.”

There was a lot of confusion in their faces as they stared back at him, but Will went on. “This was all one nation. We were divided and forced to accept a new smaller nation when Terabinia was created. We are now correcting that. Every inch of ground we reclaim is ours, it’s part of the new Terabinia. We treat the people as citizens, not enemies, and we rebuild whatever we damage. You may think this is kindness, but it isn’t. It’s absolutely vital for the future if we are to reunite the people of our divided nations.”

No one said anything after his remark. Silence in the face of madness, thought Will wryly. He pushed on. “These are my orders then: Sub-Marshal Nerrow, you will remain here with Fifth Division. Maldon will be your responsibility to repair, administer, and protect. I will expect you to manage it with the same care and efficiency that you give to your own lands until such time as I can afford to relieve you. Your daughter is already arranging shipments to assist the people of the region, and you will need to ensure those supplies reach the people who need them most.

“Lambel and Hargast will take the Second and Sixth Divisions to the crossroads, where they will meet—”

“Hold on!” barked the sub-marshal, interrupting him. “I don’t need a full division, and it shouldn’t be me that’s left here. Give the job to Lambel or Hargast. You need me beside you!”

“You’ll do as I command, Sub-Marshal,” said Will coolly, his eyes showing no emotion. He turned his head to the others. “As I was saying, Commander Hargast and Commander Lambel will bring their respective divisions to the crossroads, where they will either meet with the First and Third, or they will continue on to whatever new location I have subsequently ordered them to head for. Understood?”

Hargast responded first, “Yes, but—”

“I don’t agree with any of this,” interrupted Will’s father. “You’re going to—”

“I don’t need your approval, Sub-marshal,” said Will, glaring at the older man. “That wasn’t a request. It was an order. An order you will obey if you wish to retain command of the Fifth. Maldon is precious, and I need someone I trust to guard it for me. That means you.”

Mark Nerrow had spent his entire life as a peer of the realm. Being spoken to in that fashion wasn’t something he had experienced often, and certainly never from someone younger, much less his bastard son. His face flushed red and his mouth opened, but Will leaned in and stared him down. “One more word and I’ll relieve you of duty and send you packing back to Cerria. Is that what you want?” Will’s eyes softened after the words left his lips, communicating a deeper message. Either way, you’ll be safe, unlike my cousin Eric.

The moment dragged out until Commander Lambel finally broke the tension. “You said we’d meet with the First and Third, but if you aren’t here in Maldon, won’t you be with us, sir?”

Will’s face relaxed and a faint smile played across his lips. “I’ll be riding ahead as soon as this meeting is finished. I can’t afford to leave the First in the field marshal’s hands should he recover in the next day or so.”

“It would be safer to travel with the Second and Sixth,” remarked Lambel.

“And far too slow,” concluded Will. “Any further questions?”

“I have one, if that’s permitted,” said Sub-Marshal Nerrow, his voice strangely